Our condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of 1st Lt. Christopher Goeke of Apple Valley and Spc. Matthew Johnson of Maplewood.

Goeke, 23, and Johnson, 21, were both killed last week in our war in Afghanistan.

They died in service to their country. While 99 percent of us go about our lives amid trivia here at home, soldiers such as Goeke and Johnson risk everything to do work they volunteered for, work directed by duly elected civilians and by the military leaders who report to them.

Their deaths are a loss to our nation and to our communities. They and their families, along with all of the men and women serving in harm’s way, belong in our thoughts and prayers, every day. We honor their service.

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